HONG KONG- A German passenger died after collapsing on Cathay Pacific (CX) flight CX663 at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) on September 8, 2024.
The incident occurred at 8:59 pm local time, moments before the scheduled departure to Mumbai (BOM), India.
Passenger Died on Cathay Flight
Emergency responders rushed the passenger to North Lantau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite resuscitation attempts. The flight, originally set for an 8:45 pm takeoff, faced a delay due to a medical emergency.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific confirmed the passenger’s sudden illness before departure. The crew administered immediate first aid and called for an ambulance. The airline expressed deep sorrow over the passenger’s death and conveyed condolences to his family.
Following the incident, the aircraft underwent thorough cleaning and disinfection. The crew restocked first aid supplies before resuming the journey to Mumbai at 9:49 pm.
According to FlightRadar24 data, Cathay Pacific flight CX663 operated by Boeing 777-300ER, registered as B-KQL landed safely in Mumbai at 12:57 AM local time.
Cathay Pacific Airways has recently made headlines with multiple issues such as the A350 grounding due to Rolls-Royce engine issues and the A330 engine fire.
Similar Incidents
Last year, a few passengers on different flights died due to various reasons.
In September 2023, Shanu Pande and her father embarked on Air Canada Flight 51 from Delhi (DEL) to Montreal (YUL). The 83-year-old man had recently obtained permanent residence in Canada.
During the flight, he began experiencing chest and back pain, along with vomiting. His condition deteriorated to the point where he became immobile.
His daughter pleaded with the flight crew to divert the aircraft for an emergency landing while they were over Europe in hopes of obtaining prompt medical assistance. However, the flight continued for another nine hours to Montreal. When they landed, paramedics were on hand, but despite their efforts, the passenger passed away.
Similarly, In August 2023, SpiceJet (SG) Senior pilot, who operated the first flight in 2003 and was presently employed by Qatar Airways (QR), died while traveling as a passenger from Delhi (DEL) to Doha (DOH).
The incident occurred aboard Qatar Airways (QR) flight QR579, which had to divert to Dubai (DXB) due to a medical emergency. Unfortunately, despite efforts, the 51-year-old pilot could not be saved.
Furthermore, in the same month of August 2023, During a LATAM Airlines (LA) flight from Miami (MIA) to Santiago de Chile (SCL), one of the two Captains on board reportedly experienced incapacitation approximately three hours following takeoff. He later died on the flight.
It’s sad to see people die especially on flights. We give our condolences to the family members of the deceased passenger.